Increasing career confidence of emerging adults: assessing the influence of vocational anticipatory socialization and work ethics

ABSTRACT During an emerging adult’s career decision-making and development, the work ethic is defined as an individual’s commitment to valuing work and believing that doing a good job requires hard work, is thought to positively influence career confidence. However, researchers do not fully understand how work ethics develop and impact career confidence. The current study examined associations between the sources of vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) and the dimensions of work ethics on career confidence. Results show both positive (i.e. part-time jobs, traditional media) and negative (i.e. schools) associations between VAS sources and work ethics. Career confidence was shown to be positively associated with both VAS sources and work ethics.